Hi everyone.

Back again. Last night we had dinner in Signatures and it was truly outstanding. I was going to order beef but the waiter talked me into the lamb. I have always felt the lamb in Compass Rose is better but the lamb last night in Signatures was fantastic. It had a date crust and was perfectly cooked. I ordered a second order and Gary helped me eat that.

Today we went to the Gatun Yacht Club after navigating the first locks. It was a gorgeous day with lots of sun and not too hot. The tender ride was very short. The lunch on shore was excellent; the ribs were the best I have had on a ship. I have always felt they did not know how to do ribs on a ship but these were as good as they get. They also served hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, baked potatoes and sweet potatoes, vegetables, salads, desserts and fruit.

I am not sure who is responsible directly for these special functions but this was incredibly well orchestrated. Drinks were available everywhere and the service was as good as you get on the ship. Steph is a new hotel director and Laurence is the new F&B manager, but things are running so well the transition is very smooth.

The locals had crafts for sale and what was nice was that they did not hassle you at all. In fact I had an experience I could not believe. I bought a vest and it had a price of $36. I paid and walked away. He ran after me and said it is marked $36 but we only charge $25 and gave me back $11.00. I was quite impressed with this honesty. Do not see this much these days it will always leave me with a good feeling about this place. The baskets the Indians make are really high quality. Far superior to the baskets you normally see. The carvings the men make are also quite remarkable.

There were dancing performances from the locals, both Panama folk dances and also the different Indian tribes also performed. They started at 11.30am and continued until we left at 2.30 pm. It was the perfect amount of time to spend there. The children were precious, one little girl and boy must have just been 4 or 5 years old.

So tonight it is New Years Eve and the formal black and white night. Steak and Lobster on the menu tonight along with many other great looking choices. The party starts after dinner up on deck. We went to bed a little earlier last night so we could stay up extra late tonight. So we look forward to the festivities tonight and wish you all a wonderful and safe New Years Eve.